Best Trails in Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

Gold! Gold! Gold! Gold!
So read the headlines of a Seattle newspaper on July 17, 1897, igniting dreams of easy riches in the minds of thousands as word of a rich gold strike in remote northwestern Canada spreads by telegraph across the globe. The Seattle unit of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park preserves the story of the subsequent stampede to the Yukon gold fields and Seattle's crucial role in this event.
Hours vary seasonally.

I backpacked this trail over a decade ago and it still remains one of my favorites because of how ecologically diverse the trail is and how scenic and historic. It checked all of the boxes! The golden staircase climb is still a vivid memory. Lots of bears which was very intimidating but very responsible campers in my experience that understood bear safety and had good backcountry decision making skills and etiquette.

Paradise is at the top of this strenuous hike, making it all worth it. Drank the water straight from the lake, ice cold and delicious. Stayed in the A frame cabin and awoke to heaven out the window. Grabbing a beer at the Skagway brew co once you descend just takes the cake.

Finally made it to the top!! It's a huge challenge but well worth the results. Spectacular views. It rained the night before and on morning of so the rocks & trail were slick & muddy but manageable. We met up with the Alaskan public works employees marking the trail, so it was easy to follow where there were trees. Beyond the tree line it was hard to follow but we focused & found our way. Great blueberry bushes along the upper trail. The trail goes well beyond the map on this site- and the top gets very steep & seems never ending. Every time we thought we saw the top, it continued. Definitely an endurance & fitness challenge. Kudos to my athletic 12yr old for keeping up- she's a rock star!! And a special thanks to the cabin owners who's amazing dogs gave us encouragement along the trail. Thanks Auggie. ;)

Plan on hiking this trail this Monday Aug 21st. We get off our ship (Explorer of the Seas) approximately 7am and plan on going directly to the trail head. We hope to gave enough time to make it up & back before the ship leaves Skagway at 7pm. Anyone else plan on going?? Company would be welcome. I've attempted this hike in the past however did it have enough time due to an early sail time. Advice, suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated.Thank you!!!

Unbelievable hike! The views at the top were incredible, and swimming in the lake was surreal. I have to agree with the other reviewers, this hike should be rated as hard...very hard. The first 2.5 miles are very steep and uphill, and during this time you climb 3,000 ft. You can stop at Lower Dewey Lake and there are a lot of spots by the river to rest, and once you reach Upper Dewey Lake all that climbing is worth it. Make sure you bring a bathing suit to swim and cool off in this beautiful alpine lake! I would highly recommend doing the extra 2.5 miles(round trip) to Devil's Punch Bowl, which offers stunning mountain, glacier, and ocean views, and another alpine lake.

Great hike ! Not moderate though, very strenuous and steep.You can spend the night at the top:2 cabins on the edge of the lake (1 first come first served and another one that you have to book in advance), or with your tent. Great views!